Healthy Apple-Cocoa Bake

Apple-Cocoa Bake (No Sugar)

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)

• 4 large eggs

• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Olive oil (for greasing the mold)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the apples:

   • Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. You can optionally sauté them in a little olive oil for a few minutes to soften them, but this step is not necessary.

3. Prepare the batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk until smooth and frothy.

   • Add the 5 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the eggs. Mix until fully combined and smooth. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor, but this is optional.

4. Combine apples with batter:

   • Fold the chopped apples into the batter until the apples are evenly coated with the cocoa mixture.

5. Grease the baking mold:

   • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. You can use a round 9-inch cake pan or a square pan, depending on your preference.

6. Bake:

   • Pour the apple-cocoa batter into the prepared mold and spread it out evenly.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bake is done.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the bake cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This treat can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I use any other type of apple?

• Answer: Yes, you can use any sweet apple variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala, which will add natural sweetness to the recipe. Avoid using tart apples, as they may not provide the sweetness you’re looking for in this no-sugar recipe.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of oil for greasing the pan?

• Answer: Yes, you can use other oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, or a non-stick spray if you prefer. Olive oil is just a healthy option, but any oil that works for baking will do!

Q3: Can I add sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if I want extra sweetness?

• Answer: Yes, you can add a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit if you want it a bit sweeter, but this recipe is designed to be naturally sweet from the apples, so it’s not necessary.

Q4: Can I substitute the eggs with something else for a vegan version?

• Answer: Yes! You can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for a few minutes until thick) or an egg replacer like chia seeds. The texture might be a little different, but it should still work well.

Q5: How can I store leftovers?

• Answer: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?

• Answer: Yes, you can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. It can also be frozen for up to 1-2 months if you’d like to make a batch in advance.

Q7: What other ingredients can I add to change the flavor?

• Answer: You can add a handful of chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor. If you enjoy chocolate chips, you could mix in a few tablespoons of dark chocolate chips.

Q8: Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate?

• Answer: Yes, you can substitute the cocoa powder with unsweetened melted dark chocolate, but keep in mind that it might add a bit more fat to the recipe. If you go this route, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid or flour (if you use any) in the recipe.

Q9: How do I know if it’s fully cooked?

• Answer: Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake it for another 5 minutes and check again.

Nutritional Information (per serving) (approximately):

• Calories: ~150-200 kcal

• Carbs: ~20g

• Protein: ~6g

• Fat: ~7g

• Fiber: ~3g

This Apple-Cocoa Bake is a fantastic guilt-free dessert that’s naturally sweetened by the apples, while still delivering the richness of cocoa. It’s perfect for weight loss, as it’s low in sugar and can easily fit into a balanced diet!